National Health Through Fitness Day is the culmination of a year-round effort by the SFIA and its many sponsors and volunteers to pass major U.S. legislation to “Get America Moving.” This year a broad coalition of supporters, including celebrity athletes ranging from NFL pros to Olympians, held 100 meetings with more than 120 U.S. Senators and Representatives to discuss the importance of the PHIT Act.

“For 18 years, this event has brought influential celebrities, industry executives and sports & fitness experts together with Congress to discuss active lifestyle policies,” said Tom Cove, President and CEO of SFIA. “Having overwhelming bi-partisan backing, the PHIT Act highlights the importance of physical activity in America and is closer than ever to passage.”

The PHIT Act, if passed, would change current Federal tax law to allow consumers to use pre-tax medical accounts to pay for expenses related to sports, fitness and other qualified physical activities. Celebrity athletes articulated the significance of the PHIT Act initiative throughout their Congressional meetings and the momentum surrounding the PHIT Act was palpable.

“Our goal was to discuss with Congressional leaders important details for Americans to achieve living a healthy lifestyle,” said Abbey D’Agostino, 2016 Olympic Track and Field athlete. “The important roll physical fitness plays for the future of this nation is largely tied to the PHIT Act.”

“As we celebrate National Health Through Fitness Day, I’m encouraged by the PHIT Act’s support expressed during all our legislative meetings,” said Roman Oben, Super Bowl Champion, NFL Director of Youth & Hight School Football. “As a parent, I have witnessed first-hand how obesity has plagued this nation and now is the ideal time for the government to take action and help solve this epidemic.”

PHIT America, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the American College of Sports Medicine, The National Recreation and Parks Association, Pop Warner Football, The American Council for Exercise, The Cooper Institute, The American League of Bicyclists, The Yoga Alliance, the Outdoor Industry Association and the National Council on Youth Sports were among the organizations who participated in National Health Through Day.

About Sports and Fitness Industry Association: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the No. 1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit http://www.sfia.org.